12/15/08

Gotta start thinkingabout what to get "for the God who has everything."After all - you’re the One who made everything!

So, what can I give you?

What could you possibly want from me?

I know… I know...

What you want from meare the things I hang on to, cling to,the things I don’t want to let go of,the things that get in the way between you and me…

Well, these presents aren’t going to be tied up prettyin wrapping paper and bowsbut for your birthday I want to offer youthe things I have that I know I need to give to you…

So, I offer you the ways, Lord,I keep myself from accepting your love for me…

I offer youall the times I downplay and denymy gifts and talents...I offer you my resistance to seeingthe wonderful human being you made me to be…Help me to believe that you take delight in me,that in your eyes I am a person of value and worth...

Lord, I offer you my envyand all the ways I focus on what others haveand all the times I forget what you have given me…Keep me from jealous thoughtsand open my eyes to the treasuresI have at my fingertips…

I offer you my sense of humor, Lord:help me to laugh at myselfespecially when I take myself too seriously…

I offer you my moody sulkswhen I banish myself to a lonely cornerand sit and feel sorry for myself…Rescue me from those traps, Lord,and draw me out of myself and into your arms…

I offer you my better instincts, Lordmy graced intuitions,the ones I so easily dismisswhen I mistrust my own judgment…Give me courage to speak and to acton the truth I know within…

I offer you the best of who I am,the person you created me to be,the unique individual you knew and lovedeven before I was knit in my mother’s womb…

I offer you anything that makes me believe, Lord,that I have nothing to offeror that what I have to offer is not worthy of you…Let the light of your advent shine on meand show me every gift you’ve given me, large and small,and especially the gift of your love…

I offer you anything and everythingthat keeps me from knowinghow much you love me, Lordand how precious I am in your eyes…

And, Lord – help me to see in othersthe precious beauty you see in them, too…

I think your prayers touch so many because so many of us feel what you offered to God in Monday morning prayer. It is hard to imagine God "delighting" in me when I feel like I'm such a screw up in life. Thanks for trying to help those of us who can't seem to grasp the love God has for us.

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.